Religion and Philosophy of the Jainas

SR No.: 001190
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Virchand R Gandhi
Publisher: Jain International Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1993
Total Pages: 266
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Philosophy, Ethics, & Principle
File Size: 13 MB

Page 59

26 RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY OF THE JAINAS that a certain person is guilty and that his judgment is left to us, (we are in the wrong.] Always think that he is to be raised and not lowered. Avoid temptation even in thought. These four rules have always been taught to us; there is no hope of progress even until these four thoughts become permanent in our minds. This state is a mental state, but when we come into contact with other people, we have to act towards them, then something practical comes in; then comes in the moral nature. Morality is not to be practised only because by the practice of that morality we are to rise higher, but because it is the life of the soul, the very essence of the soul. There may be some results to be derived from that kind of conduct, but that is not the object of the soul. No other life can conflict with it. Truthfulness, kindness, justice and universal love are only the features of the soul's life. There may be other results but from these the person's object in life is seen. A man may plant trees in an orchard, and at the same time other things, as grass, etc. but his real object is not grass or other things but fruit. In the same manner there may be many occult powers which will come from the observance of all these rules, but that is not the object of the soul, and if this is made the object of the soul it is degraded to a certain extent. This will be the same thing as saying, "Be good for the sake of goodness", and no other purpose, with no idea of getting any other fruit or having any reward. When we want to have a reward we really sell our soul power, and any possible price is very little in consideration or in comparison with the nature of the soul. Nothing can be considered but the power of the soul, the potencies which are there. These are the moral rules. I could at the same time tell you many things as to the results actually derived from the practice of the moral rules, but any one who practises them will find out that these results are facts, but when they are practised only for the purpose of gain of some kind there is no real value in them to the soul. The occult powers may be possessed, but if they are not used in the right way it is a loss rather than a gain. If the object is only living the soul life, the occult